Tiger moths are a very large and diverse family (11000 ) They are now classed as Erebidae .

They tend to have hairy caterpillars (called wooly bears) . The hairs are often bundled together as clusters, and they often have 2 layers of hairs. Longer hairs creating a coat, and another layer of short sharp hairs that are sometimes hollow and can inject venom or formic acid.

In many species the adults have non functioning mouthparts .

The caterpillars can often overwinter and food includes nettles , bramble and dandelions.

Arctia caja

This species has a broad geographical spread across the Palearctic and Neoarctic zones . The spots on the wing vary between each individual.

The larvae eat many plant species

The bright colours warn predators that they are not palatable.

The adults can detect the ultrasound Echo from bats and even respond

Callimorpha dominula

Eucharia (arctia) festiva

Epicallia (arctia ) villica

This lovely moth is distributed across Europe and north Africa. The larvae feed from many plant groups and the toxins they absorb makes them unpalatable to birds.

Arctiidae species